Everyday I feel a measure of the world’s sorrows. When I do, I sense that God is giving me a glimpse of what He deals with all the time. He gently holds the heart of that parent who just lost a child, or that spouse who lost their partner of 60 plus years. Every tear of every person the world over is known to Him.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps.34 Conversations Within ts 3/22/
Picture in your mind a butterfly drinking nectar from a red flower. See how easy it is to direct your thoughts? The power to choose what we think about is a great grace. Take charge of what you think about. Learn to center yourself by centering your thoughts. For instance try thinking about everything God is for you right now.
“Take every thought captive…”
Life is not meant to be lived stressful, at a “breakneck” speed. Slow down, learn the value of just chilling and enjoying it. It will happen when it happens, and till it happens, don’t miss out on now. Work it, don’t let it work you. Realize that God doesn't need us to stress in order to bless.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Ps.
Learning to live with chronic pain is a reality assigned to many in this place. I know my share of it every night when I lay down. I have jokingly referred to bed as my torture chamber. Yet, I know in my heart that when God says that He works all things for good, He also has chronic pain in mind. I smile because the painting is not yet finished, and the Artist has a “just you wait and see” twinkle in His eye.
“We know that in all things God
Life happens. Prepare your response, shape your attitude, and be ready to meet it head on before you meet it. Know your purpose; know where your strength lies and know how to tap into it. Smile with
“You prepare the table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Ps.23 Conversations Within ts 3/20/2023
I am drawn with interest to longevity studies because I would like to live to a ripe old age. The simple truth is that growing old is not God’s plan for everyone. Jesus died when He was young, and thirty three, and with good purpose. Living within God’s purpose is what matters-- in fact it is the only thing that does.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called
Love is so liberating. There are no laws condemning its expression. When love is the governing dynamic of our lives, we are truly free.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience....Against such things there is no law.” Conversations Within ts 3/13/
Looking up at the stars in the night sky can put life in humble perspective. It staggers the mind to realize that our planet, indeed all of us, are literally hurling through space at tens of thousands of miles per hour. We are less than dust, riding on dust. Yet, our Creator is mindful of each and everyone of us. The vastness of the canopy over us simply reflects the immeasurable depth of that love.
"I pray that you have power… to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Conversations Within ts 3/13/
My favorite part of each day is to wake to life by waking to You. You meet me every morning, and just sitting quietly with you, I wake to everything else, and see it all in the peaceful light of Your wisdom. Teach me Lord how to remain awake and walk with You until every moment is my favorite moment.
“Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Gen.5.24 Conversations Within ts 3/12/
Rise everyday with the wonderful realization that your Father in Heaven loves you, and decided long ago to not count your sins against you. This is His gift to everyone who is willing to exchange trusting their efforts, for trusting all that Jesus offers us in both His death and resurrection.
“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them.” 2Cor.5.19 Conversations Within
Everyday I come to the crossroad of some choice. I want to make choices based on what I know is good, right and true, not based on my emotions, and certainly not based on desires that run contrary to facts. Clear headed thinking will serve me better than feelings or fancy.
“Be sober minded…” 1Pet.5.8 Conversations Within ts 3/10/2023
Everybody struggles with wanting things they do not have. But many times “not having” is actually a good thing, because some things we want are simply not good for us. Not having also provides us with an opportunity to learn the value of contentment. If God hasn’t provided it, faith in Him concludes it is in our best interest not to have it.
“Be content with your wages” Jesus Conversations Within ts 3/9/
When convinced of the goodness of something, put your whole heart in it. Hold nothing back. Give it your all. True love doesn’t know how to do anything else.
“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
What good is knowing the right, if we don’t choose it? Give us the grace of a willing spirit dear Lord. Enable us to not only to know what is good, but the will to always choose it. Graciously grow in us an overpowering desire for the beauty of holiness.
“Grant to me a willing spirit…” King David Conversations Within ts 3/5/
Life doesn’t come from non life. We didn’t just happen. There is design all around us, even written in our very cells. All creation “pours forth speech,” “the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Oh my soul, never doubt what is evident.
“The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Ps.14
I know that an apple is a healthier choice than bacon. My problem is not just correcting my reasoning, my problem lies in controlling my desires. This is probably the case where believing in God is concerned. I have good reasons for believing in God, but submitting to His wisdom with my daily choices is where the battle lies.
“I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”
One way God gives people strength is by encouraging us inwardly to flip our attitude. The power to change our attitude is the key that can unlock those prison doors that we construct in our mind. I can’t, becomes I can. His wisdom shows us how.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil.4.13 Conversations Within ts 3/3/
.jpg)
There are those peaceful moments of surrender where my heart rests from the turmoil of a divided self. How wonderful it would be to always know what you want, and know that what you want is always good, right and true. “Create in me a pure heart O God”--to will one will and only Your will.
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Jesus Conversations Within ts 3/2/
A friend passed into glory this morning, and my first thought was how different, not only what they will be seeing but how they will view what they are seeing. Perspective matters, and the view from eternity will give us a better view of everything. Until then we should let humility guide the way we see things.
“For now we see in a mirror
A mature inner life always surfaces in the world of wise action. The value of a contemplative life is in living it, not just thinking about it.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by
Often, where talk is concerned, less is more. Use fewer words. Learn to say it with your life, not your lips.
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge…” Prov.17.27 Conversations Within ts 2/27/
Why use many words, when a few will do it better. Don’t drown your message in an ocean of talk.
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Prov.10.19 Conversations Within ts 2/26/
My choices, while important, do not have sufficient force to alter the ebb and flow of God’s plan. Jesus reminded Pontius Pilate, the man who sentenced Him to be crucified, that God has the final word on everything.
“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Jesus
A “sit up and take notice” moment hit me the first time I read in the Bible that God is actually searching the planet for people who wholeheartedly trust Him, with the singular purpose of blessing them. Imagine! Could you use a little help from above?
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout
I love life, and I love it so much I could do it forever. This is not to say that I would want to live forever in this place. It was one of God’s kindest acts to assign death to our earthly existence, simply so we would not live forever messed up in a messed up world. Suffering is one way God helps wean us off of what is passing, and encourages us to live for things that will never pass.
“Set your affections on things above...” Paul (after he was given a glimpse of life after this life.) Conversations Within ts 2/23/
I don’t know if looking through old photos helps to keep your mind and memory sharp, but it works wonders for nurturing gratitude in my heart. I am overwhelmed with thanks when I look back and revisit people and places we have experienced through the years. I can say without hesitation, I am a wealthy person, and so very thankful to Father for the privilege of life.
“I love You, O Lord, my strength.” Ps.18.1 Conversations Within ts 2/22/
A good life reflects balance. Create it, then maintain it. Nurture it in your relationships, your responsibilities, your recreations and your resources. Then reap and enjoy its benefits!
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecc.3.1 Conversations Within ts 2/21/
